It’s one of our favorite times of the years. Oktoberfests are up and running all over LA. If you have no idea what Oktoberfest is, let us school you for a quick second. It’s a celebration with delicious food, music, dancing, and oh yeah – BEER! Yup, no traveling to Germany for an authentic Oktoberfest celebration. There are plenty of fun festivities happening in our own backyard all month long. Thank goodness it’s finally starting to feel like fall here in LA since many Oktoberfest celebrations are outdoors. Get ready to raise your steins and yell PROST to the best Oktoberfests we found in LA.
Long Beach Beer Lab Oktoberfest
Location: 518 W Willow St, Long Beach, CA 90806
Long Beach Beer Lab is hosting an Oktoberfest October 20th to celebrate their community, the craft of brewing, and seven years of unforgettable moments. They can’t wait to raise a glass with you! They’ll have new beer releases Stein holding competitions, special merch and kid’s activities. Plus ther kitchen will be serving up mouthwatering treats like soft sourdough pretzels, cheesy focaccia deep-dish style pizza squares, and of course, freshly popped popcorn Get tickets here.
Oktoberfest at Wurstküche
Location: Wurstküche, 625 Lincoln Blvd., Venice
Wurstküche is known for its gourmet sausages, best fries and wide selection of German, Belgian, and American draft beer. So, it makes sense that they’d throw one of the biggest Oktoberfest celebrations in Los Angeles. Get ready for some fun on Saturdays and Sundays through October 26th and act soon because tickets are selling like hot pretzels! Admission includes a souvenir mug filled with Oktoberfest beer, and be ready to show up in your German best because traditional Bavarian dress is strongly encouraged.
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Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest
Location: Big Bear Convention Center, 42900 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear
If you want a truly authentic Oktoberfest, you’ll have to put in some travel time. A wide selection of craft beers, ciders, and imported German brews make the trip to Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest well worth it. In fact, it was nominated for USA Today’s 10 Best Oktoberfests in America! Take part in Oktoberfest traditions: like the log sawing and stein-holding contests, and dancing the chicken dance with literally every “der” and “die” (aka guys and girls). There’s still plenty of time to attend the festivities, as Big Bear Oktoberfest goes until November 9th. We suggest making a very long weekend out of it and stay at a nearby hotel or Airbnb.
Oktoberfest at Fairplex
Location: Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona
Ok, so we know this might be a little bit far from downtown, but the party is on every Saturday and Sunday through October 26th at Fairplex’s 1oth annual Oktoberfest. Dance the night away to tribute bands and live DJs. Try your luck at games to win prizes, dig into some traditional German fare, and enjoy plenty of beer to go around. You can purchase admission online or at the door. This event is 21+, so don’t forget to bring a valid ID.
CraftoberFest Los Angeles
Location: Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena
CraftoberFest is back October 5th at the Rose Bowl is serving up beer from over 50 SoCal area craft breweries. The price of admission includes unlimited pours in 5 oz glasses. It’s never a good idea to drink on an empty stomach, so chow down on some pretzels and bratwurst before you say cheers with the besties. Live music will also put you in the mood to dance the Lederhosen. All ages are welcome (kids 12 and under are FREE) at CraftoberFest, but you must be 21+ to drink.
If you plan on attending any Oktoberfest celebrations, don’t drink and drive! Use a ride share or designate a sober driver. But most importantly, HAVE FUN! The fun doesn’t stop with Oktoberfest…check out what is going on all month long in LA.
